A POTENTIALLY life-saving machine could be installed on a village’s main street.

Plans have been lodged for a a defibrillator to be placed outside Roots and Fruits in Elphinstone.

The machine uses an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.

They can also be used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia and restore the heart’s beating if it stops.

Elphinstone Community Association is asking East Lothian Council planning department’s permission for a defibrillator cabinet, with the machine then stored inside and available to anyone at any time.

Margo Macdonald, vice-chairwoman of Elphinstone Community Association, was hopeful that the machine could be in place soon.

She said: “It will be the only defibrillator in the village and it will be put up outside the shop, which is the main focal point for the village.

“It is easy for everybody to get to it should they need it.”

The defibrillator, which costs about £900, was donated to the village after money was raised by the Walk With Scott Foundation, with a donation from Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council.

Councillor Colin McGinn, who represents the Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry ward on East Lothian Council, is chairman of the charity.

He said it had taken a little bit of time to get to this stage but he was hopeful that planning permission would now be given and the machine could be put in place.

Mr McGinn said: “I know there are a number of elderly people in Elphinstone and it is a rural village.

“Having this kind of safety net – I dearly hope nobody needs to use it – gives another level of security for people in the village.”